AshleyEastham

Defender

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Biography

Date of birth

22/03/1991

Height

191 cm

Signed

01/07/2016

Country

England

Preston-born central defender Ashley Eastham joined Fleetwood town before the start of the 2016/17 season after former manager, Steven Pressley, signed him from fellow Sky Bet League One side, Rochdale.

Eastham started his footballing career in the youth system at Blackpool and signed professionally for the club in 2009, playing played in the side's 5-0 win against Barnstaple Town in the South West Challenge Cup.

Within his four years with the Seasiders, he spent a lot of time on loan at clubs like Hyde United, Cheltenham Town, Carlisle United, Bury, Fleetwood Town and Notts County.

In June 2013, the centre-back agreed terms with Rochdale, following his release from Blackpool. Eastham was given the number five shirt and was handed his debut at the club on the opening day of his inaugural season, which was a 3-0 win over Hartlepool United.

At Dale, Eastham made over 75 appearances in three seasons, which included a promotion from Sky Bet League Two in 2013/14.

Ash signed for Fleetwood and has since formed a good partnership with Nathan Pond - initially in a back four - as well as featuring with Pond, Cian Bolger and Ben Davies in a 3-5-2 formation.

In the 2017/18 season, the central defender made 52 appearances for the club, scoring three goals against Oldham Athletic, Rotherham United and Rochdale. The 27-year old went on to win the Fans' Player of the Year award, an award he will be proud of winning.